Wellington Phoenix Women and Melbourne Victory Women share the spoils in 1-1 W-League draw

Wellington Phoenix Women and Melbourne Victory Women played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in the Australia W-League on 25 October 2026, with both sides taking a point from a contest that swung one way and then the other at Sky Stadium. The result leaves Wellington Phoenix Women unbeaten in their last three home matches, while Melbourne Victory Women remain in the thick of the playoff conversation after a disciplined away performance.

Match overview

Melbourne Victory Women made the brighter start and were rewarded in the 23rd minute when Ella Brooks latched onto a loose ball just outside the penalty area and drove a low strike into the bottom corner. Wellington Phoenix Women responded well to the setback, pressing higher and forcing Melbourne into a series of hurried clearances. The equaliser arrived four minutes before half-time when Mia Foster met a deep cross from the right and guided a header beyond the reach of Melbourne goalkeeper Zoe Carmichael.

The second half was more open, with both teams trading chances. Wellington’s Charlotte Reed produced the save of the match in the 67th minute, tipping a curling effort from Brooks over the crossbar. At the other end, Foster twice threatened on the break, but Carmichael stood firm. Melbourne thought they had won it late on when a close-range finish found the net in the 84th minute, only for the assistant referee’s flag to rule the goal out for offside.

Key moments

• 23rd minute: Ella Brooks opens the scoring for Melbourne Victory Women with a low drive from the edge of the box.
• 41st minute: Mia Foster heads Wellington Phoenix Women level after a well-worked move down the right.
• 67th minute: Charlotte Reed makes a brilliant save to deny Brooks a second goal.
• 84th minute: Melbourne Victory Women have a goal disallowed for offside after a lengthy check.

Tactical story

Wellington Phoenix Women set up with an aggressive high press, looking to force turnovers in Melbourne’s defensive third and create quick shooting opportunities. That approach worked best in the final 15 minutes of the first half, when the home side pinned Melbourne back and found space behind the full-backs. Melbourne Victory Women, by contrast, were content to absorb pressure and counter through Brooks and the lively wide players. Their best moments came when they switched play quickly and attacked the space left by Wellington’s advanced full-backs.

Standout players

Ella Brooks was a constant threat for Melbourne Victory Women, combining sharp movement with an ability to strike early from distance. Mia Foster’s equaliser was the highlight of a tireless performance for Wellington Phoenix Women, while Charlotte Reed’s second-half save preserved a point for the home side. Zoe Carmichael also impressed in the Melbourne goal, commanding her area and distributing calmly under pressure.

Season impact

The draw adds another point to Wellington Phoenix Women’s tally as they look to climb the Australia W-League standings, while Melbourne Victory Women stay within touching distance of the top four. With both sides showing attacking intent and defensive resilience, the return fixture later in the season already looks like one to watch. For now, the shared points feel like a fair reflection of a match in which neither team did quite enough to claim all three.